What Children Are Really Telling Us Through Play with Dr. Rachel Altvater

What Children Are Really Telling Us Through Play with Dr. Rachel Altvater

From Practical Parenting by GBMC HealthCare

January 9, 2026 · 47 min · Season 2 · Episode 14

About this episode

This episode explores how children communicate through play with psychologist Dr. Rachel Altvater.

Play is fun, but it's also how children communicate. In this episode, we are joined by psychologist and play therapy expert Dr. Rachel Altvater to explore what kids express through play and why it’s such a powerful therapeutic tool. From understanding play themes and symbolic behavior to learning why children need control, autonomy, and emotional safety, this conversation helps parents see play as a window into their child’s internal world. Dr. Altvater practices at Creative Psychological Hea...

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Rachel Altvater

Topics covered

  • play therapy
  • child communication
  • emotional safety
  • parenting
  • psychology

Keywords

  • play
  • children
  • therapy
  • psychologist
  • communication
  • autonomy
  • emotional safety

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Creative Psychological Health

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